TT News

British Superstock Cup Champion to make TT debut23 November 2006

Current British Superstock Cup Champion Bob Collins is set to make his TT debut in 2007. The 24 year old Londoner had planned to
tackle the Mountain Circuit for the first
time this year, but sponsorship commitments with the British Championship series
ended those hopes. However he is now totally focused on making his debut next
May.

Bob is a maverick talent and a crowd favourite in BSB. He shot to prominence in
the televised Virgin Mobile Yamaha R6 Cup series around the same time as close
friend and winner of the 2006 TT Newcomers Award Conor Cummins.

After a year in the wilderness, Bob made his mark in the Superstock Cup
Championship this year winning five of the 13 rounds and finishing on the podium
in the remaining rounds all bar three. He also made his real road race debut at
the Cock o’ The North meeting at Scarborough where he took several top six
finishes in the Superbike class, beating numerous experienced road racers.

Bob will concentrate his 2007 season around the TT, taking
in road race events as preparation as well as selected National Superstock
rounds. Assisting him in his efforts will be three time TT
winner Ian Simpson who will be on hand for the majority of the fortnight.

Speaking about the prospect of a TT debut in Centenary
year, Bob said:

“I am really excited about the TT. It is in my blood
as my mum and dad are big fans of the event and used to come across to watch it
before I was born. I am not getting the same enjoyment out of the BSB scene
anymore and need a new challenge. The TT is the ultimate,
and although I am slightly daunted about taking on the Mountain Course for the first time, I am
getting lots of help from people like Milky Quayle and Guy Martin as well as Ian
Simpson who is coming to the TT next year to give me a
hand. All in all I can’t wait!”

“Bob is just the sort of rider we are looking for to come to the TT. He is fast and safe, with bags of natural talent and
somebody who knows how to enjoy himself which is what it is all about. I have no
doubt that he can develop into an excellent TT rider and
podium challenger of the future. If he listens to the advice from people like
Guy (Martin) and Ian (Simpson) he shouldn’t go too far wrong and I’m looking
forward to seeing him in action in May next year.”

Minister for Tourism and Leisure and Chairman of the TT
Steering Committee David Cretney commented:

“In recent times there has been a decline in the number of talented young
English riders from the British Championship looking to the TT and Manx Grand
Prix as another option. I am delighted that, that trend has ended and Bob
Collins is the latest in a long line of up and coming riders from the British
Championship paddock to commit to the TT. I am sure he
will enjoy the same sort of success as the likes of Les Shand, Paul Shoesmith, James Edmeades and our own
Conor Cummins who have
all made a successful transition over the past two years and I personally would
like to wish him all the best for his TT debut next year.”